A Princess Goes to the Museum

The royal party arrives at the National Maritime Museum.

On April 27, 1937, King George VI opened the National Maritime Museum  and it was an exciting trip for young Princess Elizabeth. Joining them were Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary. The family travelled from the Admiral’s Barge on Westminster Pier, plying the river until they reached Greenwich. To mark the festivities, people decked the wharves along the Thames. It was reportedly a "bright and sunny" day and great crowds gathered to welcome the Royal Family. "Their cheers mingled with the screams of ships' sirens and the roaring of aeroplanes overhead," the news of the day wrote.

They made a short stop at the Queen's House, which was opened by Queen Elizabeth. Then the King declared the National Maritime Museum open, and the family completed a tour of inspection.

In formally opening the museum, the king said:

But for the enterprise, courage and character of British seaman the British Commonwealth of Nations would never have come into existence. The qualities of Drake, Nelson and Franklin were as necessary today as ever in the past. It was well that the exploits of men such as there should be recalled, so that the part which seamen had played in Britain's history might never be forgotten.

One of the highlights of the museum were the relics of Captain James Cook, including his first marine timekeeper, compass with extra equitorial circle serving as a sun dial, John Zoffmany's painting, "Captain Cook's death," and several canvasses of the explorer's second voyage, painted by William Hodges, the official artist.

Queen Elizabeth II’s bond with Greenwich has remained strong since. In 1957, she returned to open Cutty Sark and once again in 2012 following its restoration.  

The National Maritime Museum Today